Author: Emily Coday

In the 19th century, doctors were likely to write off most symptoms women suffered as hysteria, “exaggerated emotion or excitement.” Less has changed from those days than you might think. Sexism of our society still profoundly influences how women with chronic illness are treated by their doctors and their friends, family, and colleagues. My…

Note: I use able-bodied and healthy interchangeably as well as chronically ill and disabled interchangeably, but there are differences. As humans, we all have limitations. We can only go so long without sleep, rest, food, and water. We can only bear so much psychological stress. To have these limitations is to be human. Just because…

People with chronic illnesses need all the support they can get- especially from their family. Here are some tips for truly supporting them. 1. Don’t Just Support Strangers, Support Your Family Most of my family are generous caring people- especially towards strangers. I regularly see them support children they don’t know and throw fundraisers for…

I’ve had so many terrible things said to me because of my chronic illness. “It is your fault you feel like this.” “If you try hard enough/ do more you won’t still be sick.” “If you just prayed harder god wouldn’t still let you be sick.” Needless to say, chronic illness has made for a difficult…

The food we eat undoubtedly affects our health. Eating food with more fiber decreases the risk of colon cancer. Decreasing red meat helps lower cholesterol. People with diabetes need to eat less simple carbohydrates to manage their condition. I, as encouraged by specialists, aim to eat 10g of salt a day to better manage my…

It is pretty standard for a doctor to refer their patients to a specialist when they are stumped or their knowledge is limited. It is a great practice to get better more specialized help. However, when a patient has a chronic illness, especially if it is one that isn’t well known, this can be a…

Finding the right doctor is a daunting task- especially when you have POTS. I think it is important to change the way we view doctors when you have a condition that the average doctor knows so little about. Instead of going to a doctor and taking their way as law, it is best to find…

So before you consider the next random treatment suggested to you- check it out first. Is there any good evidence that it helps people with your condition? Is it worth the money, the false hope, the risk, or the blame you will likely receive when it fails?